Buckeye owners to reopen historic Alburtis restaurant

Terry and Hope Bender, owners of The Buckeye Tavern in Macungie, are turning… (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO )

June 06, 2013|By Lenora Dannelke | Special to The Morning Call

At 11 a.m. May 20 Terry and Hope Bender, owners of The Buckeye Tavern in Macungie, signed papers to purchase the former Iron Horse Restaurant in Alburtis. At 3 p.m. they hosted a well-attended ribbon cutting at 106 N. Main St., announcing the restaurant’s new name — Alburtis Tavern on Main. The 60-plus seat restaurant is expected to reopen in mid-September.

Until then, numerous renovations are taking place. Although walls are being removed to create an open feel, care is being taken to preserve the character of the early 19th century building. “I want to keep the history and bring it to life,” Terry says. “We’re putting a deck out front so people can watch the trains go by.”

Terry’s current chefs are working with U.S. Food Co. chefs to develop a menu completely different from the Buckeye. “It will be smaller and have unique items. We want to focus on things people like, but make them better,” Terry says. He envisions the Alburtis Tavern as a casual family-friendly place where guests can feel comfortable in jeans or a business suit.

As a commitment to the community, the Alburtis Tavern is title-sponsoring the 29th annual Alburtis 5K Road Race/Walk on Aug. 10. “We won’t even be open yet, but that’s the kind of stuff you do,” Terry says.